Men's health

Australian men are more likely to get sick from serious health problems, such as cancer, than Australian women. Their mortality (death) rate is also much higher. The poor health status of Australian men is complicated by the fact that men are more likely than women to shy away from medical treatment of any kind. The lack of health awareness and unwillingness to adopt a healthier lifestyle also disadvantages men.

Men have a higher death rate than women
The Australian Bureau of Statistics Mortality Atlas Australia (December 2002) shows that the death rate from the main causes of death is generally higher for men than women. The average death rate per 100,000 persons (1997-2000) includes:

• Malignant (cancerous) tumours - 237.8 males compared to 146.7 females
• Ischaemic heart disease - 190 males compared to 119.9 females
• Cerebrovascular diseases (strokes etc) - 65.9 males compared to 65.8 females
• Chronic lower respiratory diseases (lung problems)- 46.6 males compared to 23.2 females
• Accidents - 35.6 males compared to 17.7 females
• Suicide - 21.9 males compared to 5.5 females
• Diabetes mellitus - 18.8 males compared to 13.6 females
• Influenza and pneumonia - 13.6 males compared to 11.4 females
• Motor vehicle traffic accidents - 13.1 males compared to 5.5 females
• Mental disorders (including dementia) - 9.3 males compared to 10.8 females.

• Males are more likely than females to suffer from genetic disorders, so are inherently ‘weaker’ and more susceptible to illness. Most researchers do not support this theory.
• Men are encouraged by our culture to be tough. Many men believe that complaining of feeling ill or visiting the doctor is a threat to their masculinity or a waste of time, unless they are sick or injured.
• Health is largely determined by social factors such as education status, employment and income. Men from low socioeconomic backgrounds make up one of the sickest sub-groups in Australia.
• Unlike women, men (particularly younger men) do not value good health and longevity.

• The Western definition of masculinity includes strength and silence. Men may feel that it is a sign of weakness or ‘femininity’ to seek help.
• Males, particularly younger men, tend to act as if they are invulnerable. This can lead to destructive behaviours such as drug or alcohol binges, reckless driving or other risky behaviours.
• Women are more likely to have regular contact with doctors because of periods, contraception and pregnancy issues. Men don’t have a similar ‘system’ that requires them to regularly see a doctor, and are less likely to recognise or ‘act on’ signs of risk.

• Pneumonia and influenza - 265 per cent more likely to die.
• Cerebrovascular disease - 102 per cent more likely to die.
• Respiratory disorders (such as bronchitis and emphysema) - 98 per cent more likely to die.
• Suicide - 77 per cent more likely to take their own lives.
• Diabetes - 74 per cent more likely to die.
• Lung cancer - 55 per cent more likely to die.
• Ischaemic heart disease - 54 per cent more likely to die.

• A man sees his self-esteem as closely linked to his role as breadwinner. He may not find self-worth in the roles of parent and homemaker.
• Unemployment puts great financial and emotional strain on a family. The man, as breadwinner, may feel burdened with guilt and shame.
• Men without trades who go from one unskilled job to another are more likely to feel devastated by periods of unemployment.
• Men who feel in control of their lives are more likely to look after their health. Men who are unemployed often feel helpless.

• Teenagers and the elderly are particularly at risk.
• Male depression is associated with an increased risk of health disorders, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
• Life issues - such as the death of a spouse, separation, divorce and unemployment - trigger serious depression in men more often than in women.
• Men are likely to resort to destructive behaviours in an attempt to deal with depression.
• Depressed men are twice as likely as depressed women to abuse alcohol and drugs.
• The suicide rate for males aged between 15 and 24 years has tripled in the past three decades.

• Your doctor
• Men’s health clinic
• Community Health Centre.

• Australian men are more likely to get sick from serious health problems, such as cancer, than Australian women.
• The male mortality rate is also higher.
• Some of the theories to explain the poor health status of men include biological factors, their attitude to masculinity, and the effect of social factors like poverty, marital status and unemployment.

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